Technique for securely communicating programming content

ABSTRACT

A technique for securely transferring content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. In one embodiment, the first device is a device in a trusted domain and the second device is outside of the trusted domain. Transfer of protected content to another device may require authentication of the receiving device. A rights file which specifies the rights of the receiving device to use the protected content, according to its security level is also transferred. These rights may concern, e.g., the number of times the receiving device may transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the receiving device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the receiving device, the more rights accorded thereto. A minimum security level requirement may be imposed in order for protected content to be transferred to a device.

PRIORITY

The present application is a divisional of and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/096,019 of the same title filed on Apr. 11, 2016, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,973,798 on May 15, 2018, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/674,866 of the same title filed on Nov. 12, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,313,530 on Apr. 12, 2016, which is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/006,404 of the same title filed on Dec. 7, 2004, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,312,267 on Nov. 13, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/894,884, filed on Jul. 20, 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,429 on Sep. 11, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a communications technique, and more particularly to a technique for securely communicating programming material originating in a cable TV network to a device outside the network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A set-top terminal (STT) serves as a gateway between a user's television and a cable TV network delivering programming content. Such programming content may be delivered as a broadcast. It may also be delivered on an on-demand basis, for which services such as video on demand (VOD), subscription VOD, movies on demand, etc., are offered. In addition, a “network personal video recorder (NPVR)” service has been developed, allowing the user to perform trick mode functions (rewind, fast-forward, pause, etc.) on a presentation of programming content through use of a network. In fact, a network architecture and functionalities for implementing the NPVR service are described, e.g., in International Publication Number WO 2003/093944 published on Nov. 13, 2003. The NPVR service also allows a user to “reserve” past and future programs for his/her review, even if such reserved programs were not identified by the user before their broadcast.

An STT receives, through the cable TV network, programming content which may be encrypted, e.g., in accordance with the data encryption standard (DES) technique, to secure its delivery. DES is a well known symmetrical cipher which utilizes a single key for both encryption and decryption of messages. Because the DES algorithm is publicly known, learning the DES key would allow an encrypted message to be read by anyone. As such, both the message sender and receiver must keep the DES key a secret from others. A DES key typically is a sequence of eight bytes, each containing eight bits. To enhance the DES integrity, the DES algorithm may be applied successive times. With this approach, the DES algorithm enciphers and deciphers data, e.g., three times in sequence, using multiple keys, resulting in a so-called triple DES (3DES) technique.

In contrast to the DES technique, a public key encryption technique, e.g., an RSA technique (named for its developers, Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman), uses two different keys. A first key, referred to as a private key, is kept secret by a user. The other key, referred to as a public key, is available to anyone wishing to communicate with the user in a confidential manner. The two keys uniquely match each other, collectively referred to as a “public key-private key pair.” However, the private key cannot be easily derived from the public key. A party wishing to send a message to the user may utilize the public key to encrypt a message before transmitting it. The user then utilizes the private key to decrypt the message. Conversely, the private key may be used to encrypt a message, in which case the message can subsequently be decrypted with the public key. For example, the keys for the RSA algorithm are mathematically generated, in part, by combining prime numbers. The security of the RSA algorithm, and the like, depends on the use of very large numbers for its keys, which typically are 512 bits long.

Public key encryption methodologies may often be utilized for authentication purposes. For example, a first party wishing to authenticate a data file may apply a well-known hash function (such as the SHA-1 algorithm) to the file, producing a hash value, and encode the hash value using its private key, producing an encoded value. An encoded value generated in this manner is sometimes referred to as a digital signature. The first party transmits the data file, and the digital signature, to a second party. The second party may then utilize the first party's known public key to decode the digital signature, generating a decoded value. The second party additionally applies the known hash function to the data file received from the first party, generating a verification value. The decoded value is compared with the verification value; if the decoded value and the verification value match, the first party may be confident of the sender's identity.

The authentication technique described above is useful when the second party has knowledge of the first party's public key. However, in many instances, the second party may not have such knowledge, and therefore cannot perform the steps necessary to authenticate the first party's identity. A common solution to this problem is to use a registration message issued by a commonly-known, trusted entity. A registration message may be, for example, a digital certificate generated in accordance with the ISO/X.509 standards published by the International Organization for Standardization. A registration message has value if both the first and second parties trust the trusted entity and have knowledge of the trusted entity's public key. In such case, the first party may generate an “unsigned” message containing its public key, and provide the message to the trusted entity with a request that the trusted entity “sign” the message. The trusted entity applies a well-known hash function to all or a portion of the message, and uses its private key to encode the resulting hash value, generating a digital signature. The trusted entity appends the signature to the message, and returns the resulting registration message to the first party. The first party may subsequently provide the signed registration message to a second party, who utilizes the trusted entity's public key to verify the registration message and extract the first party's public key therefrom. A trusted entity which issues registration messages in the manner described above is sometimes referred to as a “trusted licensing authority.”

A licensing “hierarchy” may also be established with a trusted licensing authority as the highest (and trusted) authority. In a system using such a licensing hierarchy, a party may be required to maintain multiple registration messages establishing a chain of authority up to the licensing authority. To authenticate its identity, a party provides to the second party as many registration messages as is necessary to demonstrate that its identity is recognized within the licensing hierarchy.

In prior art, programming content may be encrypted using a DES key, in accordance with a DES algorithm, to secure its delivery from a headend of a cable TV system to an STT. In order for the STT to decrypt the encrypted programming content, the DES key is transmitted from the headend to the STT in an entitlement control message (ECM), which is encrypted using a 3DES key in accordance with a 3DES algorithm. The 3DES key (also known as a “multi-session key (MSK)”) is sent to the STT in a separate entitlement management message (EMM), which is encrypted using an STT public key in accordance with a public key algorithm, whose private key counterpart is securely maintained in the STT. Thus, after receiving the encrypted EMM and ECM, the STT decrypts the encrypted EMM using the STT private key to obtain the 3DES key therein. Using such a 3DES key, the STT decrypts the encrypted ECM to obtain the DES key therein. Using such a DES key, the STT can decrypt the encrypted programming content it received.

Recently, some STTs for cable TV were improved to incorporate digital video recorder (DVR) functions (“DVR STTs”). Like a DVR, e.g., a Tivo or ReplayTV device, a DVR STT typically includes a hard drive, e.g., a disk, for digitally recording TV programs. Also like a DVR, a DVR STT allows a cable TV subscriber to record his/her favorite TV programs for later review, and exercise a season-pass-like option to record every episode of his/her favorite program for a period. It may automatically record programs for the user based on his/her viewing habit and preferences. The presentation of the recorded programming content can be manipulated by exercising rewind, pause and fast-forward functions.

However, cable operators have observed that providing to subscribers unrestricted recording of content might result in an unacceptable amount of unauthorized copying and/or distribution. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a strategy that allows content to be stored by a subscriber, but at the same time prevents (or controls) copying and distributing the content to unauthorized parties. A number of techniques have been developed to address this need. One such technique involves use of an indicator, e.g., an encryption mode indicator (EMI), which may be inserted into a data stream used to transmit content from a source device to a destination device. The EMI provides to the destination device information concerning the status of the content; the status may indicate that the content can be freely copied, copied once, never copied, etc. The destination device reads the EMI and determines whether or not the content may be copied. If copying is permitted, the destination device may then copy the content. For details on such a content protection technique, one may refer to: “5C Digital Transmission Content Protection White Paper,” Hitachi, Ltd et al., Revision 1.0, Jul. 14, 1998.

Another technique requires a device intending to transmit protected content to determine whether or not the receiving device is authorized to receive such content. One such technique is disclosed in “High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection System,” Digital Content Protection LLC, Revision 1.1, Jun. 9, 2003. In accordance with the disclosed technique, both the transmitting device and the receiving device have a valid array of secret device keys and a corresponding key selection vector. During an authentication process, the two devices exchange key selection vectors. The receiving device uses the transmitting device's key selection vector to generate a selection of its own secret device keys, and then calculates a value Km by adding the selected secret device keys using 56-bit binary addition. The transmitting device calculates a corresponding value Km′ using the receiving device's key selection vector. If each device has a valid set of secret device keys, Km=Km′. Only after the receiving device has established its legitimacy does the transmitting device deliver the content.

Another strategy used to control the usage and distribution of protected content is to employ a digital rights management (DRM) system. An example of a DRM system is the Microsoft Windows Media digital rights management system (MS-DRM). According to this system, a digital media file is encrypted and locked with a “license key.” The license key is stored in a license file which is distributed separately from the media file. A customer may obtain the encrypted media file by, e.g., downloading it from a web site, purchasing it on a disk, etc. To play the digital media file, the customer must first acquire the license file containing the corresponding license key. The customer acquires the license key by accessing a pre-delivered license; alternatively, when the customer plays the file for the first time, a procedure is activated for retrieving the license via the Internet. After obtaining the license with the license key, the customer can play the media file according to the rules or rights specified in the license.

Another example of a DRM system is described in “RealSystem Media Commerce Suite (Technical White Paper),” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A content file is encrypted by the system operator to become a secured content file, requiring a key to play the content in the file. The key is imported into a retailer's database, and the secured content file is provided to consumers by, e.g., offline distribution of CDs. The retailer sets usage rules for licensing content. A customer obtains the secured content file and contacts the retailer's web server through a trusted client to obtain a license to play the content. The retailer's web server requests rights from the operator's license server, which creates a license containing the key for the respective content file, and provides the license to the retailer's web server. The retailer's web server delivers the license to the trusted client. The trusted client receives the license with the key, retrieves the content file, and uses the key to play the content.

In recent years, numerous systems for providing interconnectivity among devices in a home have been developed, allowing home networks to include cable STTs, personal computers, cellphones, PDA devices, etc. An example of a system for interconnecting various devices in a home is described in International Publication No. WO 02/21841, published on Mar. 14, 2003. Because of the increasing popularity of home networking, there is a growing need for a strategy that enables a user to perform authorized transfer of protected content, e.g., transferring content from an STT to a second device in a home network, and at the same time prevents unauthorized distribution of the protected content.

In addition, in the cable industry, a CableCARD (also known as a “a point-of-deployment (POD) module”) has been developed to satisfy certain security requirements to allow retail availability of host devices, e.g., set-top boxes, digital cable ready televisions, DVRs, personal computers (PCs), integrated digital televisions, etc., for receiving cable services. The CableCARD, comprising a PCMCIA device, can be inserted into a host device, allowing a viewer to receive cable systems' secure digital video services, e.g., pay per view TV, electronic program guides, premium subscription channels, etc.

Specifically, the CableCARD contains conditional access functionality, as well as the capability of converting messages to a common format. Thus, the CableCARD provides a cable operator with a secure device at the subscriber premises, and acts as a translator so that the host device needs to understand a single protocol, regardless of the type of the network to which it is connected.

For example, with the CableCARDs provided by cable operators, host devices which run, e.g., on an OpenCable Applications Platform (OCAP), may be sold in retail outlets. (For details on such a platform, one may refer, e.g., to: “OpenCable Application Platform Specification,” OCAP 2.0 Profile, OC-SP-OCAP2.0-101-020419, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc., Apr. 19, 2002.) The OCAP allows applications to be built to a common middleware layer for deployment on host devices interoperable across cable systems in North America. (For details on the functional requirements of one such host device, one may refer, e.g., to: “OpenCable™ Host Device Core Functional Requirements,” OC-SP-HOSR-CFR-I13-030707, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc., Jul. 7, 2003.) With a common interface to the CableCARD, a host can be moved from one place to another, provided that the user of the host device contact his/her new cable operator to obtain a new CableCARD. (For details on such an interface, one may refer, e.g., to: “OpenCable™ HOST-POD Interface Specification,” OC-SP-HOSTPOD-IF-I13-030707, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Jul. 7, 2003. To provision a new CableCARD and host device, an initialization and authorization process needs to be performed while the host device, with the CableCARD inserted therein, is connected to the cable network. The initialization and authorization process begins with the user's providing an ID(s) of the CableCARD and/or the host device (e.g., serial number(s)) to the cable operator. The cable operator looks up in a database a MAC address of the CableCARD which typically is hard-coded in the CableCARD, and is associated with the CableCARD ID. During the authorization process, the cable operator may, for example, assign an IP address to the CableCARD for its identification in the cable network. The cable operator may also collect from the host device data concerning the make, model, and ID of the host device (e.g., its serial number). The cable operator may associate the CableCARD's MAC address (and/or IP address) with the user information, e.g., his/her name, address, etc. for billing purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention overcomes the prior art limitations by instituting a multi-layered rights arrangement to prevent unauthorized use and transfer of protected content, especially in a home network. For example, in accordance with the invention, the home network may be considered to comprise multiple layers. One such layer may be a “trusted domain,” described in aforementioned U.S. application Ser. No. 10/894,884, filed on Jul. 20, 2004. For example, in a cable TV system, the trusted domain includes not only the system portion where programming content traditionally is secured by, and within total control of, a cable operator, including, e.g., the headend, delivery network, etc., but also user devices, e.g., STTs, at subscribers' premises which are capable of receiving and securely storing programming content in a prescribed manner. The cable operator can control certain subscriber access and usage with respect to content held within the trusted domain. For example, movie content held within a cable operator's trusted domain (e.g., on a hard drive of an STT) cannot be distributed over the Internet in viewable form and cannot become a source for duplication of multiple viewable copies.

A second layer may be defined as being outside the trusted domain. In accordance with the invention, a device in the second layer is assigned an indicator indicating an extent of security of the device. For example, when the device in the second layer requests transfer of protected content from a device in the first layer, the first layer device authenticates the second layer device to determine legitimacy of the device for receiving the protected content. After the second layer device is authenticated, the first layer device transfers not only the protected content, but also a set of rules associated with the protected content. At least some of the rules in the set are associated with the indicator and applicable to the second layer device with respect to use of the protected content.

The invention broadly encompasses the concept of the multi-layered rights arrangement including the trusted domain for preventing unauthorized use of protected content. The invention is not limited to use of specific devices in the arrangement. For example, the invention equally applies to a host device connected to a CableCARD module, jointly realizing, e.g., the functionalities of a DVR STT. In an embodiment of the invention, the host device has programming content, which is encrypted, stored in storage therein. The module may receive a request from the device for accessing the programming content. The request includes a data package stored in association with the encrypted programming content in the storage. In response to the request, the module may determine that the device is allowed to access the programming content based on information (e.g., usage rights information) in the first data package. The module may then provide the host device at least data concerning a cryptographic element (e.g., an encryption key) for decrypting the encrypted programming content in the storage, thereby providing the device with access to the programming content.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a computerized device is disclosed. In one embodiment thereof, the computerized device is configured to protect digital content within a content delivery network, and the computerized device includes: a first network data interface; a second network data interface; a processor apparatus in data communication with the first network data interface and the second network data interface; and a non-transitory computer-readable apparatus comprising a storage medium in data communication with the processor apparatus and comprising a computer program with a plurality of instructions configured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized device to: receive one or more protected digital data content from the first domain; and generate a rights data structure indicating an extent of sharing permissions within the second domain.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of protecting digital data content via a content delivery network comprising a first device within a first domain of a plurality of domains is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: accessing protected digital data content; creating a rights data structure including data relating to one or more limitations on at least a transferability of the protected digital data content to a second domain of the plurality of domains; and transmitting the protected digital data content to the second device.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a computerized client device configured to access secured digital data content via a content delivery network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computerized device includes: a non-transitory computer-readable apparatus comprising a storage medium having a computer program comprising a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions being configured to, when executed by a processor apparatus, cause the computerized device to: receive encrypted digital content data and a rights data structure from another computerized device in a first domain; responsive to a security level of the computerized device meeting or exceeding the extent of sharing permissions within the second domain, gain access to the encrypted data content to at least a first extent corresponding to the security level of the computerized device; and responsive to a security level of the computerized device not meeting or exceeding the extent of sharing permissions within the second domain, receive a notification of denial of access of the encrypted data content.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer-readable apparatus includes a plurality of instructions configured to, when executed by a processor apparatus: enable a first computerized client device to access a media data structure containing protected digital data content in response to a request from a second computerized client device, the media data structure being associated with a rights data structure indicative of a plurality of restrictions corresponding to respective extents of a right to receive the media data structure by the second computerized client device; and based on an examination of the rights data structure, the examination comprising a determination that the second computerized client device is associated with an extent of the right to receive the media data structure which meets or exceeds a prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure, enable the first computerized client device to transmit to the second computerized client device via the content delivery network: (i) a copy of at least a portion of the media data structure containing the protected digital data content, and (ii) the rights data structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a broadband communications system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a subscriber registry maintained in a headend of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a device key table maintained in a headend of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a subscriber key table maintained in a headend of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates components of a first secure digital video recorder (SDVR) STT, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates storage in the first SDVR STT;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a routine for encrypting and storing a media file, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a routine for generating an encrypted content key associated with a subscriber, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates components of a second SDVR STT, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a routine for generating an encrypted content key associated with the second SDVR STT, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates components of a personal media device (PMD), in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a rights file, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting a routine for transferring content from an STT to another device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting a routine for transferring content from an STT to another device, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a content activity record, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting a routine for playing selected content, subject to the rights specified in the rights file of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 illustrates an M-CARD connected with a host STT DVR device, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart depicting a process performed by the M-CARD for generating a reply to a Record request from the host STT DVR device, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a persistent security package (PSP) for inclusion in the reply, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a temporary security package (TSP) for inclusion in the reply, in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 21 is a flowchart depicting a process performed by the M-CARD for generating a reply to a Playback request from the host STT DVR device, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is directed to a technique for securely transferring protected programming content from one protective layer to another to prevent unauthorized access and copying of the protected content. One such protective layer is referred to as a “trusted domain.” In a cable TV system, the trusted domain includes not only the system portion where programming content traditionally is secured by, and within total control of, a cable operator, including, e.g., the headend, delivery network, etc., but also user devices at subscribers' premises which are capable of receiving and storing programming content, e.g., a DVR STT, and which implement a conditional access mechanism described below. For the sake of convenience, a DVR STT which implements the conditional access mechanism hereinafter is referred to as a “secure DVR STT (SDVR STT).”

The cable operator can control certain subscriber access and usage with respect to content held within the trusted domain. For example, a motion picture held within a cable operator's trusted domain (e.g., on a hard drive of an SDVR STT) cannot be distributed over the Internet in viewable form and cannot become a source for duplication of multiple viewable copies. In accordance with the invention, a multi-layered rights arrangement is instituted to facilitate secure transfer of content from one protective layer (e.g., the trusted domain) to another (e.g., outside the trusted domain). In an illustrative embodiment, a first device within the trusted domain is allowed to transmit protected content to a second device outside the trusted domain, provided that the second device recognize and function pursuant to the multi-layered rights arrangement with respect to the protected content. In other words, although the second device outside the trusted domain may receive protected content from the first device in the trusted domain, use and distribution by the second device of the protected content are subject to the rights and restrictions specified by the multi-layered rights arrangement.

In accordance with the multi-layered rights arrangement, a receiving device may be assigned a security level indicative of the security of the device. In one embodiment, a receiving device may be assigned a security level 1 (low level of trust), 2 (medium level of trust), or 3 (high level of trust). A receiving device's security level determines the set of rights that are accorded to it with respect to the received content.

By way of example, suppose that a personal media device (PMD) outside the trusted domain requests a copy of a movie from an SDVR STT within the trusted domain. A PMD may be, e.g., a digital video player, personal computer (PC), personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, etc. If the PMD is a Security Level 1 device, it may not be authorized to receive the movie content. If the PMD is a Security Level 2 device, it may be authorized to receive the movie content, but its rights to play the movie, and to transfer the movie content to other devices, may be restricted. If the PMD is a Level 3 device, it may be authorized to receive the movie content, and additionally may have unlimited rights to play the movie and to transfer it to other devices (which in turn are bound by the respective rights specified by the multi-layered rights arrangement). In implementing the multi-layered rights arrangement, a content file containing protected content, e.g., content of a movie, is associated with a “rights” file which may define the rights of a receiving device to use the protected content, and may also specify the minimum security level of the devices allowed to receive the protected content in the first place. In one embodiment, when a PMD outside the trusted domain requests an STT in the trusted domain to transfer protected movie content thereto, the STT authenticates the PMD and identifies its security level. The STT examines the rights file to determine if the PMD meets the minimum security level requirement. If it does, the STT transfers the movie content file along with the rights file to the PMD. The PMD then examines the received rights file to determine its own rights with respect to the movie content. For example, if the PMD is a Security Level 2 device, it will use the movie content pursuant to the set of rights in the rights file prescribed for Security Level 2 devices. In another embodiment, the STT transfers the content and rights files to the PMD as soon as the PMD is authenticated, without determining its security level or whether the PMD meets the minimum security level requirement. It is up to the PMD to observe autonomously the rights associated with its security level prescribed in the rights file, including whether it is allowed to receive and keep the protected content in the first place.

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a broadband communications system, e.g., a cable TV system, embodying the principles of the invention. Headend 120 receives programming content attributed to various program channels, and provides cable television services to STTs including, e.g., SDVR STTs 158-1 through 158-M, where M represents an integer. It should be noted that the same cable television services are also provided to prior art STTs with no programming content storage capability which, however, are not of interest here. It should also be noted that the terms “transmission channel” and “program channel” should not be confused. A “transmission channel” signifies a designated frequency band through which a transport stream containing programming content and/or data is transmitted. A “program channel” signifies the source of programming content or the service selected by a user to view. For example, a user may select program channel 2 to view programming content provided by CBS, program channel 14 to view programming content provided by ESPN, etc.

In a conventional manner, headend 120 delivers programming content downstream to SDVR STTs 158-1 through 158-M in a service area or neighborhood, where M represents an integer. As shown in FIG. 1, SDVR STTs 158 are connected to network 150 through a service area node 161. In this instance, network 150 is a multi-channel delivery network comprises a well-known hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) cable network.

Programming content is delivered downstream from headend 120 to SDVR STTs 158 through “in-band” transmission channels. In one embodiment, these transmission channels may be 6 MHz bands populating a forward passband, e.g., 350-750 MHz band, of a coaxial cable. QAM modulator bank 137 in hub 130 modulates the transport streams containing the programming content onto selected in-band channels, in accordance with a QAM scheme.

In addition, downstream data, e.g., control messages, emergency information, etc., may be communicated from headend 120 to SDVR STTs 158 via one or more forward data channels (FDCs), sometimes referred to as “out-of-band” channels. The FDCs may occupy the 70-130 MHz band of a coaxial cable. QPSK modem pool 138 in hub 130 modulates downstream data onto selected FDCs, in accordance with a QPSK scheme.

Upstream data, e.g., application data, file requests, etc., may be transmitted from SDVR STTs 158 to headend 120 via one or more reverse data channels (RDCs), which occupy a reverse passband, e.g., 5-40 MHz band, of a coaxial cable. The data traversing the RDCs is modulated in accordance with a QPSK scheme. QPSK modem pool 138 in hub 130 receives the QPSK signals containing the data from the RDCs and performs any necessary demodulation before transmitting the underlying data to headend 120. Using a contention-based access mechanism established by the Digital Audio Visual Council (DAVIC), a standard setting organization, each STT can share an RDC with other STTs in the network. This mechanism enables an STT, e.g., SDVR STT 158-1, to transmit upstream messages without a dedicated connection to a QPSK demodulator. The mechanism also provides equal access to the STTs that share the RDC, and enables detection and recovery from reverse path collisions that occur when two or more of the STTs transmit an upstream message simultaneously. As also specified by DAVIC, for communications purposes, each STT and network controller 209 are identified by the Internet protocol (IP) addresses assigned thereto. However, these IP addresses may be randomly assigned each time the broadband communication system is reconfigured. As a result, the IP address of an STT or that of network controller 209 may change after a system reconfiguration. Nevertheless, each STT and network controller 209 are also assigned a media access control (MAC) address on a permanent basis, surviving any system reconfiguration.

Headend 120 includes, among others, program material processing unit 231, application server 220, network controller 209, and switching unit 230. In a well-known manner, program material processing unit 231 receives programming content from various sources attributed to different program channels, and generates transport streams containing the programming content, e.g., in accordance with a well known MPEG-2 scheme. Under control of network controller 209, the transport streams are switched by switching unit 230 to appropriate modulators in QAM modulator bank 137 in hub 130, where the transport streams are modulated onto the corresponding in-band transmission channels for delivery to STTs over network 150.

Application server 220 may include one or more server systems that provide software applications and services for STT users. For example, application server 220 may contain one or more software applications for providing database services, network management services, interactive program guide services, billing services, etc. Server 220 may maintain in memory 220 a subscriber registry, denoted 360 in FIG. 2. Registry 360 is illustrated in the form of a table, where column 363 includes, for each STT in the system, an identifier identifying the STT (STID). In this example, each STT is identified by its MAC address. For example, SDVR STT 158-1 may be identified by a MAC address denoted MAC-1. Column 364 includes a subscriber ID (e.g., subscriber's name, ID number, etc.) identifying a subscriber to the cable television services who is associated with each respective STT. For example, referring to row 368-1, STT 158-1 is associated with the subscriber identified by S-1. In this example, subscriber S-1 may be, for example, an individual who purchased or leased SDVR STT 158-1 and registered with the operator as the user thereof. It should be noted that a given subscriber may be associated with more than one STT. Referring to row 368-2, for example, SDVR STT 158-2 is also associated with subscriber S-1. In this example, subscriber S-1 may have purchased or leased STT 158-2 for use as a second STT in his or her home.

In this instance, application server 220 also incorporates access control manager 225 for realizing the trusted domain including therein the SDVR STTs at the subscribers' premises, which are subject to the aforementioned conditional access mechanism. To that end, manager 225 maintains access control related data pertaining to the SDVR STTs and/or subscribers. For example, manager 225 may maintain in memory 222 a library of device public keys associated with the SDVR STTs in the cable TV system. When an SDVR STT is provided to a subscriber, a “public key-private key pair” has been assigned to the SDVR STT in anticipation of data encryption in accordance with a public key algorithm. The “device private key” of the SDVR STT is stored in a secure memory therein while the “device public key” may be transmitted to manager 225 through an RDC during an initialization process of the SDVR STT. Alternatively, during registration of the SDVR STT, the subscriber may provide the cable operator with the serial number of the SDVR STT, if the cable operator has not already had it, for the cable operator to look up the public key associated with the SDVR STT. The library of device public keys is illustrated in the form of a table, denoted 273 in FIG. 3. Device key table 273 comprises column 276 which includes an STID of each SDVR STT in the system, which is its MAC address in this instance. For example, SDVR STT 158-1 is identified by address MAC-1 as mentioned before. Column 277 registers a device public key assigned to each respective STT. In this example, each device public key is 512 bits long. Referring to row 279-1, for example, STT 158-1 is assigned a public key denoted DPUBKEY-1. It should be noted that table 273 is intended for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, different identifiers, e.g., IP addresses, may be used in table 273 to identify various STTs in the network.

Each subscriber associated with an SDVR STT is also assigned a public key-private key pair in anticipation of another data encryption in accordance with a public key algorithm. Manager 225 may maintain a subscriber key table, denoted 283 in FIG. 4. Subscriber key table 283 includes column 286 which enumerates an identifier of each subscriber associated with an SDVR STT, e.g., S-1, S-2, S-3, etc. Columns 287 and 288 contain, respectively, a “subscriber public key” and the “subscriber private key” counterpart assigned to each subscriber. Referring to row 289-1, for example, subscriber S-1 is assigned a subscriber public key denoted SPUBKEY-1 and subscriber private key denoted SPRIKEY-1. Such a key pair may be assigned to each subscriber by the cable operator during a service registration by the subscriber. Because the subscriber private keys need to be kept secret, table 283 may be maintained by manager 225 in secure memory 227.

FIG. 5 illustrates components of a generic SDVR STT (e.g. 158-1) in accordance with the invention, which include, among others, processor 330, interface 250, memory 210, storage 610, and encryption module 165. Processor 330 orchestrates the operations of SDVR STT 158-1. Interface 250 includes cable modem 258 capable of demodulating signals containing programming content and data from in-band channels and FDCs, and modulating data signals onto RDCs. Interface 250 also performs other well-known formatting and reformatting functions necessary to transmit or receive programming content and data.

Memory 210 stores a variety of software applications and data including, e.g., an operating system (not shown) which provides the basic functionality for SDVR STT 158-1, and STID 214 for identifying SDVR STT 158-1, which is its MAC address MAC-1 in this instance. Memory 210 may be, e.g., a non-volatile random-access memory.

The aforementioned device private key assigned to STT 158-1, namely, DPRIKEY-1, is stored in secure memory 212 in encryption module 165 in such a manner that it cannot be discovered or tampered with easily and certainly not without notice. On the other hand, the device public key assigned to SDVR STT 158-1, namely, DPUBKEY-1, a copy of which is registered in table 273 in headend 120 as discussed before, is stored in memory 210, and which may be contained in a registration message (the “STT Registration Message”). Memory 210 also stores a public key associated with the cable operator, OPUBKEY 6222, for implementing the multi-layered rights arrangement in accordance with the invention.

Storage 610 is used for storing programming content, which in this instance may be a removable hard disk drive. It will be appreciated that storage 610 may comprise other forms of memory including, e.g., a digital video disk (DVD) drive, memory sticks, network-based storage, etc. Processor 330 may also perform such DVR functions as recording selected programming content in one or more media files, and storing them in storage 610. In this instance, a media file comprises a content file and a rights file associated therewith. The term “content file” here refers to a container that holds a distinct quantity of programming content. A content file may contain, e.g., a digitally recorded version of a movie such as “Citizen Kane.” The rights file may be an Extensible Markup Language (XML) file, a binary file, a text file, etc., which may form part of a “header” of the media file. The rights file, fully described below, contains a specification of rights to use the associated programming content. The rights specification may be generated by the cable operator, in which case it is inserted by program material processing unit 231 into the program stream containing the associated programming content. Alternatively, the rights specification is generated by the source of the programming content, e.g., a TV broadcasting company, in which case the rights specification and the associated programming content are both contained in the program stream received by unit 231. In either case, the programming content is accompanied by the associated rights specification when it is provided to STT 158-1. Cable operators have observed that providing to subscribers an unrestricted right to save programming content often results in an unacceptable amount of unauthorized copying.

Accordingly, the aforementioned conditional access mechanism is implemented to create a trusted domain in which such unauthorized copying is precluded. In accordance with this mechanism, encryption module 165 generates a content key, e.g., a 3DES key for encrypting, in accordance with a 3DES algorithm, a media file provided by processor 330 before its storage. In this illustrative embodiment, a different content key is generated for encrypting each respective media file. However, it will be appreciated that a single content key may be used to encrypt all media files in the same storage. It will also be appreciated that multiple content keys may be used to encrypt a single media file.

In addition, module 165 encrypts each generated content key to form “encrypted content key version 1 (V-1),” and “encrypted content key version 2 (V-2)”, and stores the encrypted content key versions (denoted 603 and 604 respectively in FIG. 6) in association with the corresponding encrypted media file 606 (i.e., encrypted using the content key) in storage 610. As shown in FIG. 6, media file 606 comprises encrypted content file 602 containing encrypted programming content, and encrypted rights file 601 containing a specification of rights, albeit encrypted, to use such programming content in file 602 by a device in another layer, e.g., outside the trusted domain, in accordance with the invention. In this illustrative embodiment, the encrypted content key V-1 is formed by encrypting the content key with the device public key assigned to SDVR STT 158-1 (i.e., DPUBKEY-1). On the other hand, the encrypted content key V-2 is formed by encrypting the content key with the subscriber public key assigned to subscriber S-1 (i.e., SPUBKEY-1) associated with SDVR STT 158-1 in this instance.

By way of example, subscriber S-1 may direct SDVR STT 158-1 to record specified programming content, say, the “Citizen Kane” movie as it is broadcast over cable network 150. Accordingly, processor 330 generates a media file containing the specified movie content and the associated rights specification received from interface 250. FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a routine for encrypting and storing a media file. Instructed by such a routine, encryption module 165 at step 308 generates the aforementioned content key associated with the specified media file. At step 310, module 165 encrypts the media file using the content key, in accordance with the aforementioned 3DES algorithm. At step 315, module 165 stores the encrypted media file 606 in storage 610. At step 318, module 165 retrieves the device public key DPUBKEY-1 from memory 210. At step 320, module 165 uses DPUBKEY-1 to encrypt the content key in accordance with a first public key algorithm, e.g., an RSA algorithm. As mentioned above, the resulting encrypted content key is referred to as the “encrypted content key V-1.” At step 325, module 165 stores the encrypted content key V-1, denoted 603, in storage 610. In one embodiment, the encrypted content key V-1 is stored in the form of metadata associated with the encrypted media file.

To generate the encrypted content key V-2, denoted 604, module 165 retrieves from storage 610 the encrypted content key V-1, from secure memory 212 device private key DPRIKEY-1, and from memory 210 STID 214 which is MAC-1 in this instance. Module 165 uses DPRIKEY-1 to decrypt the encrypted content key V-1, thereby recovering the content key in the clear. Module 165 then transmits the content key to headend 120 via an RDC in a secure manner. The secure transmission of a content key from STT 158-1 to headend 120 may be accomplished using a prior art encryption technique, e.g., a prior art public key encryption technique where a system private key is stored in headend 120, and the corresponding system public key is made public to, and stored in, all STTs including SDVR STT 158-1. In this instance, module 165 in SDVR STT 158-1 transmits, to control access manager 225 in application server 220, a message containing STID 214 and the content key encrypted using the system public key, in accordance with the prior art public key encryption technique.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a routine for generating the encrypted content key V-2, in accordance with one embodiment. At step 427, manager 225 receives the encrypted content key and STID 214 in the message from SDVR STT 158-1, and at step 430 decrypts, using the aforementioned system private key, the encrypted content key to recover the content key in the clear. At step 431, manager 225 consults subscriber registry 360 and uses STID 214, which is MAC-1 in this instance, to determine the associated subscriber ID, which is S-1 in this instance. At step 432, manager 225 retrieves from subscriber key table 283 the subscriber public key, SPUBKEY-1 associated with S-1. At step 435, manager 225 uses the subscriber public key SPUBKEY-1 to encrypt the content key in accordance with a second public key algorithm, thereby generating the encrypted content key V-2. At step 440, manager 225 transmits the encrypted content key V-2 to SDVR STT 158-1 via an FDC.

After receiving the encrypted content key V-2 from manager 225, module 165 stores the encrypted content key V-2, denoted 604 in storage 610. In one embodiment, the encrypted content key V-2 is stored in the form of metadata associated with the encrypted media file 606. To decrypt the encrypted content file 602 for viewing the “Citizen Kane” movie content, module 165 may decrypt the associated encrypted content key V-1 (603) using DPRIKEY-1 in memory 212, thereby recovering the content key in the clear. Module 165 then applies the recovered content key to decrypt the encrypted content file 602.

Alternatively, STT 158-1 may be provided with the subscriber public key SPUBKEY-1. In a similar process used to create encrypted content key V-1, module 165 may use SPUBKEY-1 to generate encrypted content key V-2.

To show the portability of the encrypted media file 606 within the trusted domain, supposing that subscriber S-1 has purchased SDVR STT 158-2 for use as a second STT in his or her home, he or she may wish to transfer the media file to SDVR STT 158-2 and watch the program on a television set connected to SDVR STT 158-2. Alternatively, supposing that SDVR STT 158-1 is broken or is no longer functional for any reason, subscriber S-1 may wish to use SDVR STT 158-2 to view the stored programming content. To permit subscriber S-1 to copy the programming content for limited purposes such as these, the conditional access mechanism relies on encrypted content key V-2 (604), which is not associated with any particular device, to “migrate” programming content stored on a first device (e.g., STT 158-1) to a second device (e.g., STT 158-2) within the trusted domain. Specifically, in order for the second device to obtain the content key to decrypt the copy of the encrypted media file in STT 158-2, the latter needs an encrypted content key V-1 associated therewith. The content key V-1 associated with STT 158-2 can be successfully derived from the encrypted content key V-2 (604) provided that the subscriber associated with STT 158-2 be also S-1, which is the case here and reflected by subscriber registry 360 in FIG. 2. Referring to rows 368-1 and 368-2 of registry 360, in this instance both STT 158-1 having the MAC-1 address and STT 158-2 having the MAC-2 address are associated with S-1.

Assuming that SDVR STT 158-2 in FIG. 9 has in storage 910 a copy of the encrypted media file 606 (including encrypted content file 602), and an encrypted content key V-2 (604) from SDVR STT 158-1 (e.g., by physically removing storage 610 from SDVR STT 158-1 to SDVR STT 158-2, i.e., storage 610 the same as storage 910), encryption module 965 of STT 158-2 retrieves the encrypted content key V-2 (604) from storage 910, and STID 914 from memory 990. Module 965 transmits a message containing the encrypted content key V-2 (604) and STID 914 to headend 120.

At headend 120, the encrypted content key V-2 (604) is utilized to generate an encrypted content key V-1 associated with the SDVR STT 158-2, which is needed for STT 158-2 to derive the content key for decrypting the encrypted media file 606 including content file 602. FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a routine for generating an encrypted content key V-1 associated with STT 158-2, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 571, manager 225 in headend 120 receives from the new device STT 158-2 the encrypted content key V-2 (604) and STID 914. At step 572, manager 225 consults subscriber registry 360, and uses STID 914 (i.e., MAC-2) to determine the corresponding subscriber ID (i.e., S-1). At step 573, manager 225 retrieves from subscriber key table 283 the subscriber private key SPRIKEY-1 associated with subscriber S-1. At step 574, manager 225 uses the subscriber private key to decrypt the encrypted content key V-2 (604) and thereby recover the content key in the clear.

At step 576, manager 225 consults device key table 273 and retrieves the device public key DPUBKEY-2 associated with STID 914 which is MAC-2 in this instance. At step 577, manager 225 uses the device public key DPUBKEY-2 associated with STT 158-2 to encrypt the content key. The resulting encrypted version of the content key is referred to as the “new-device (ND) encrypted content key version 1 (V-1).” At step 579, manager 225 transmits the ND encrypted content key V-1 to STT 158-2 through an FDC.

Module 965 in SDVR STT 158-2 receives the ND encrypted content key V-1 from headend 120. Module 965 stores the ND content key V-1 in storage 910. At a subsequent point in time, module 965 may retrieve device private key DPRIKEY-2 from memory 912, and use it to decrypt the ND encrypted content key V-1 and recover the content key. Module 965 may then utilize the content key to decrypt the encrypted media file 606 and, in particular, encrypted content file 602 for viewing the “Citizen Kane” movie content.

In order for a device outside the trusted domain (e.g., a PMD) to receive protected content from another device in the trusted domain (e.g., an SDVR STT), both devices need to be provisioned to comport with the multi-layered rights arrangement in accordance with the invention. For example, under the multi-layered rights arrangement, each such PMD is assigned a security level indicative of the security of the device. A PMD may be assigned a security level of “1” (low level of trust), in which case the PMD is referred to as a “Security Level 1” device. Similarly, a “Security Level 2” device is associated with a medium level of trust, and a “Security Level 3” device is associated with a high level of trust. A device's security level determines the set of rights that are accorded to it with respect to a given protected content.

The security level assigned to a particular device may be determined, for example, by agreement between the cable operator and the manufacturer of the device, and represents the level of trust which the cable operator accords the respective device. Thus, a cable operator may assign, e.g., a Security Level 3 to a device which utilizes advanced encryption techniques when receiving and transmitting content, and which maintains content files in a secure memory. On the other hand, a cable operator may assign a Security Level 1 to a high-definition television set which does not ordinarily use encryption methods when receiving or transmitting content.

By way of example, suppose that a user wishes to transfer a copy of the movie “Citizen Kane” from STT 158-1 in the trusted domain to a PMD which is outside the trusted domain. In this example, if the PMD is a Security Level 1 device, it is not authorized to receive the movie content. If the PMD is a Security Level 2 device, it is authorized to receive the movie content, but its right to play the movie, and its right to transfer the movie to other devices, are restricted. If the PMD is a Level 3 device, it is authorized to receive the movie content, and additionally has unlimited rights to play the movie and to transfer it to other devices (subject to the rights of the other devices' associated with their respective security levels).

FIG. 11 illustrates components of a PMD denoted 1260. PMD 1260 is capable of receiving data from another media device, e.g., SDVR STT 158-1, and operates according to the multi-layered rights arrangement. PMD 1260 comprises processor 1262, interface 1264, memory 1266 and encryption module 1280. A copy of the cable operator's public key, OPUBKEY 1271, and the PMD's own public key, PMD-PUBKEY 1279, are stored in memory 1266. In this instance, PMD-PUBKEY 1279 is contained in a registration message (the “PMD Registration Message”) which also contains, among others, data concerning the security level of PMD 1260. The private key counterpart to PMD-PUBKEY 1279, namely, PMD-PRIKEY 1285, is stored in secure memory 1282. PMD 1260 also includes storage 1293 which may be, e.g., a hard disk drive.

Suppose that a user at PMD 1260 requests to transfer thereto a copy of the movie “Citizen Kane” from SDVR STT 158-1. In response, SDVR STT 158-1 and PMD 1260 perform an authentication procedure using their respective registration messages. STT 158-1 and PMD 1260 maintain the STT Registration Message and PMD Registration Message containing not only their respective public keys, but also digital signatures to be verified. One device (STT 158-1 or PMD 1260) sends its registration message in a communication to the other device (PMD 1260 or STT 158-1), and the device receiving the communication decrypts the digital signature contained in the registration message using the cable operator's public key, to verify the sending device's identity and authority. The receiving device also obtains the public key of the sending device from the registration message. There may be two or more registration messages enclosed with the communication, forming a hierarchical message chain, where one registration message testifies to the authenticity of the previous message. At the end of a licensing hierarchy is a top-level licensing authority (e.g., the cable operator), which is trusted without a registration message from any other licensing authority.

When PMD 1260 submits to SDVR STT 158-1 a request for the movie “Citizen Kane,” processor 330 in SDVR STT 158-1 requests that PMD 1260 authenticate itself. In response, processor 1262 in PMD 1260 transmits the PMD Registration Message containing PMD-PUBKEY 1279 to SDVR STT 158-3. Processor 330 in SDVR STT 158-1 retrieves OPUBKEY 6222 from memory 210, uses it to decrypt the PMD Registration Message, thereby authenticating the message through the licensing hierarchy. SDVR STT 158-1 additionally obtains PMD-PUBKEY 1279 from the PMD Registration Message.

After authenticating PMD 1260 through the licensing hierarchy, processor 330 in SDVR STT 158-1 transmits the STT Registration Message containing its own public key, DPUBKEY-1, to PMD 1260. Processor 1262 in PMD 1260 retrieves OPUBKEY 1271 from memory 1266 and uses it to decrypt the digital signature contained within the STT Registration Message, thereby authenticating it through the licensing hierarchy and obtaining DPUBKEY-1.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the PMD Registration Message contains a unique device identifier (the “PMD Device ID”) as well as PMD-PUBKEY 1279 and data concerning the security level of PMD 1260. In this embodiment, when SDVR STT 158-1 receives the PMD Registration Message, SDVR STT 158-1 transmits the message to network controller 209 in headend 120. Controller 209 consults a stored table which includes a list of valid device identifiers, and the public key of each associated device. Controller 209 confirms whether the PMD Device ID and PMD PUBKEY 1279 contained in the registration message are valid, and reports the status of PMD 1260 to SDVR STT 158-1. Assuming PMD 1260 is determined to be an authorized device, processor 330 in SDVR STT 158-1 transmits the STT Registration Message containing its own public key, DPUBKEY-1, to PMD 1260.

In addition to the PMD's public key, SDVR STT 158-1 obtains data concerning the security level of PMD 1260 from the PMD Registration Message. In this example, let's suppose that SDVR STT 158-1 determines from the PMD Registration Message that PMD 1260 is a Security Level 2 device. Processor 330 causes encryption module 165 to decrypt encrypted media file 606 in storage 610 in the manner described above, yielding a content file containing the requested movie content and the associated rights file in the clear. However, before any content and rights files are transmitted to PMD 1260, these files are again encrypted using a random session key generated in SDVR STT 158-1, resulting in “session-encrypted” content and rights files. Encryption module 165 additionally encrypts the session key using the PMD-PUBKEY 1279. SDVR STT 158-1 transmits the encrypted Session Key to PMD 1260, along with the session-encrypted content and rights files. Processor 1262 in PMD 1260 retrieves PMD-PRIKEY 1285 from secure memory 1282, and uses it to decrypt the received, encrypted session key. Encryption module 1280 uses the recovered session key to decrypt the received session-encrypted content and rights files, resulting in content file 1525 and rights file 1550 in storage 1293, which are in the clear. Thus, in this instance, content file 1525 contains a digital version of the requested movie “Citizen Kane.” Rights file 1550 defines one or more sets of rights accorded to various devices with respect to content file 1525. FIG. 12 illustrates rights file 1550, which comprises multiple data fields. Fields 5100-5120 contain descriptive information about the associated content. For example, Content Type field 5100 indicates the type of the associated content (movie); Title field 5110 contains the title of the movie (Citizen Kane); Actors field 5120 contains the names of actors in the movie, etc.

Data in field 5190 defines the transfer rights accorded to an STT, e.g., SDVR STT 158-1. In this example, field 5190 contains “2, 3” indicating that an STT is authorized to transfer the content to Security Level 2 devices and to Security Level 3 devices.

Data in fields 5210-5430 define three distinct sets of rights associated with the associated content, i.e., content file 1525: a first set of rights for Security Level 1 devices, a second set of rights for Security Level 2 devices, and a third set of rights for Security Level 3 devices. In this example, a Security Level 1 device obtains no rights with respect to the associated; thus, a Security Level 1 device cannot transfer the content to another device (field 5210), and cannot play the content for any length of time (field 5220). The number of times a Security Level 1 device is allowed to transfer the content to other devices is zero (field 5230).

Fields 5310-5330 define the set of rights accorded to a Security Level 2 Device. Field 5310 specifies those devices to which a Security Level 2 device is allowed to transfer the associated content. In this instance, field 5310 contains values “2, 3,” indicating that a Security Level 2 device may transfer the associated content to a Security Level 2 device or to a Security Level 3 device. Play Time field 5320 indicates a duration during which a Security Level 2 device may play the associated content. This duration starts running when PMD 1260 receives a copy of content file 1525. In this instance, a Security Level 2 device can play the content for a seventy-two hour period after the content is received. According to field 5330, a Security Level 2 device is allowed to transfer the associated content to other devices up to three times.

Fields 5410-5430 define the rights accorded to a Security Level 3 device. A Security Level 3 device is authorized to transfer the content to a Security Level 3 device but not to Security Level 1 devices or to Security Level 2 devices (field 5410). There is no time limit regarding how long a Security Level 3 device can play the content (field 5420). According to field 5430, a Security Level 3 device may transfer the content an unlimited number of times to other devices.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting a routine by an STT, e.g., SDVR STT 158-1, in the trusted domain to transfer content to another device, e.g., PMD 1260, outside the trusted domain, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. After receiving the request for the movie “Citizen Kane” from PMD 1260 (step 1710), SDVR STT 158-1 authenticates PMD 1260 and determines the device's security level (step 1730), in the manner described above. At step 1735, SDVR STT 158-1 accesses media file 606 which contains the requested content.

At step 1740, SDVR STT 158-1 examines the rights file associated with the requested content, after it decrypts file 601 with the content key in the manner described above, to determine whether SDVR STT 158-1 itself is authorized to transfer the movie content in file 602 to PMD 1260. Referring to field 5190 of FIG. 12, an STT is authorized to transfer the movie content to any Security Level 2 device or Security Level 3 device. Because PMD 1260 is a Security Level 2 device in this instance, SDVR STT 158-1 may transfer the content to PMD 1260. Thus, referring to block 1750, the routine proceeds to step 1760 where SDVR STT 158-1 provides a copy of the content file and the associated rights file to PMD 1260 (which may involve encrypting the content and rights file with a session key as described before). Again referring to block 1750, if PMD 1260 does not have a sufficiently high security level, the content cannot be transferred. In such case, PMD 1260 is informed that it is not authorized to receive the desired content (step 1785), and the routine comes to an end.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting a routine by an STT, e.g., SDVR STT 158-1, in the trusted domain to transfer content to another device, e.g., PMD 1260, outside the trusted domain, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. After receiving the request for content from the device at step 1810, SDVR STT 158-1 authenticates the requesting device at step 1830. At step 1835, SDVR STT 158-1 accesses media file 606, which contains the requested content. At step 1860, STT 158-1 provides a copy of the content file containing the requested content and associated rights file to PMD 1260, resulting in content file 1525 and rights file 1550 in storage 1293. In this second embodiment, full responsibility for operating in accordance with the appropriate set of rights in rights file 1550 is delegated to the requesting device, i.e., PMD 1260. Even if, for example, a Security Level 1 device (say, a HDTV television) requests the movie “Citizen Kane” from SDVR STT 158-1, in this second embodiment SDVR STT 158-1 provides a copy of the content and rights files automatically, without determining whether the HDTV television meets the minimum security level requirement (which is 2 in this instance). The HDTV television subsequently examines its copy of rights file 1550 and determines that it does not have the right to keep, play, or transfer the movie content, and acts accordingly.

To ensure that its activities concerning content file 1525 conform to the rights set forth in rights file 1550, PMD 1260 maintains content activity database 1274 in memory 1266. After receiving and storing files 1525 and 1550, PMD 1260 creates in content activity database 1274 a content activity record such as that shown in FIG. 15, based on the data in rights file 1550. Referring to FIG. 15, record 1720 comprises fields 1730-1732 which contain the type of content, the title of the movie, and the names of actors in the movie, respectively. Because PMD 1260 is a Security Level 2 device in this instance, processor 1262 extracts from rights file 1550 to content activity record 1720 the information pertaining to a Security Level 2 device. Thus, for example, field 1756 of content activity record 1720 indicates that PMD 1260 may transfer content file 1525 to a Security Level 2 device or to a Security Level 3 device. Field 1758 indicates that PMD 1260 may play content file 1525 for a duration of seventy-two hours. Field 1759 indicates that PMD 1260 may transfer content file 1525 to other devices up to three times.

Processor 1262 additionally records, in field 1772, the date and time when the content was received, i.e., when the content file 1525 was received in storage 1293. Processor 1262 additionally calculates an END TIME LIMIT value representing the end of the time limit specified in field 1773, by adding the PLAY TIME value in field 1758 to the DATE/TIME RECEIVED value in field 1772. The result is recorded in field 1773, and is used subsequently to ensure that content file 1525 is not played beyond the time limit accorded in rights file 1550. Processor 1262 also initializes a TRANSFER COUNT value by entering a zero value in field 1776; this value is subsequently increased by one each time PMD 1260 transfers content file 1525 to another device.

Thus, PMD 1260 uses content activity record 1720 to regulate its activities pertaining to content file 1525. At the same time, each time PMD 1260 performs an action pertaining to content file 1525, processor 1262 updates record 1720. By way of example, suppose that after receiving content file 1525, a user directs PMD 1260 to play the movie “Citizen Kane.” Referring to FIG. 16, after receiving the request to play the desired content (step 1910), processor 1262 accesses content activity database 1274 and examines content activity record 1720 (step 1920). At step 1930, processor 1262 examines the END TIME LIMIT value in field 1773. Referring to block 1940, if the current time is equal to or after the END TIME LIMIT value, processor 1262 proceeds to step 1975 and informs the user that PMD 1260 is not authorized to play the requested content because the relevant time limit has expired. If the current time is before the END TIME LIMIT value, processor 1262 accesses content file 1525 and, at step 1950, causes the movie “Citizen Kane” to be played.

Suppose the user wishes to transfer a copy the movie “Citizen Kane” to another device, say, a personal computer (PC). In this case, after authenticating the PC and determines its security level, processor 1262 in PMD 1260 accesses content activity record 1720, examines the TRANSFER RIGHTS value in field 1756, and verifies that the PC is authorized to receive the movie content. Processor 1262 then compares the TRANSFER COUNT value in field 1776 to the # TRANSFERS LIMIT specified in field 1759. If the TRANSFER COUNT is less than the # TRANSFERS LIMIT, PMD 1260 transfers content file 1525, together with rights file 1550, to the PC, and increases by one the TRANSFER COUNT value in field 1776. The PC in turn observes its rights to use content file 1525 as specified in rights file 1550. Otherwise, if the TRANSFER COUNT value has reached (i.e., is equal to) the # TRANSFERS LIMIT, processor 1262 informs the user that PMD 1260 is not authorized to transfer the content.

CableCARD and Host STT DVR Embodiment of the Invention

The invention broadly encompasses the concept of the multi-layered rights arrangement including the trusted domain for preventing unauthorized use of protected content, as fully described before. The invention certainly is not limited to specific devices (e.g., SDVR STT, PMD, etc.) used in the arrangement. In fact, an embodiment where a host STT DVR device connected with a CableCARD replacing the above-described SDVR STT (e.g., 158-1) in the inventive arrangement to perform similar functions will now be described. In this embodiment, the functionalities of the above-described SDVR STT simply are partitioned across the host STT DVR device and the CableCARD.

FIG. 17 illustrates one such substitute host STT DVR device denoted 1703 connected to multi-stream CableCARD (“M-CARD”) denoted 1705. M-CARD 1705 is capable of handling multiple streams, e.g., MPEG-2 program streams, from network 150, and is configured to operate with host STT DVR device 1703 which in this instance includes multiple tuners in interface 1707 for simultaneously tuning to different frequencies of carriers transporting multiple program streams, respectively. In this illustrative embodiment, in general, host DVR device 1703 assumes all of the functionalities of the above-described SDVR STT except, for example, generation of a content encryption key(s) (e.g., the aforementioned 3DES key(s)), processing of content management information (CMI) described below, and control of access to (e.g., playing, copying, archiving, etc.) a previously stored content file in device 1703, which functionalities have been removed to M-CARD 1705 here. Although the access to the stored content file is controlled by M-CARD 1705, host STT DVR device 1703 is responsible for the encryption and decryption of the content file. M-CARD 1705 also performs the conventional functions required of the prior art CableCARD. Because of the partition of the functionalities of the SDVR STT across device 1703 and M-CARD 1705, communications between device 1703 and M-CARD 1705 to realize the above-described SDVR STT functions are of interest here.

M-CARD 1705 includes interface 1701 for connection with interface 1707 of device 1703, in accordance with the PCMCIA standard. As mentioned before, M-CARD 1705 is responsible for the content key generation and control of access by device 1703 to protected content from network 150. Communications in which device 1703 requests such access and obtains such a content key generated from M-CARD 1705 will now be described. Like the SDVR STT, device 1703 needs to encrypt a content file using the content key before the content file is stored in storage 1711. However, like a PMD (e.g., 1260), device 1703 needs to be authenticated by M-CARD 1705 before the content file from network 150 can be recorded, and also needs to request recording privileges from M-CARD 1705.

In response to a recording event which may be initiated by a user at device 1703 or automatically by device 1703, processing unit 1713 issues a Record request to M-CARD 1705. This Record request includes, among others, an index identifying the desired program to be recorded. FIG. 18 illustrates a process performed by processor 1730 in M-CARD 1705 for generating a Record reply to the received request. As shown in FIG. 18, at step 1803 processor 1730 determines whether host STT DVR device 1703 is allowed to record the program content in question, e.g., based on the security level of device 1703 relative to that of the program content. At step 1805 processor 1730 includes such a determination in a Record_Enable field in the reply. Processor 1703 at step 1808 identifies the content cipher to be used (e.g., 3DES, AES 128 cipher, etc.) for encrypting any file containing the program content in question. At step 1811, processor 1703 causes generation of a content key. Processor 1730 at step 1814 generates two security packages which are to be included in the reply, one of which, referred to as a “persistent security package (PSP),” is to be stored in association with any encrypted program content file in storage 1711. The other security package, referred to as a “temporary security package (TSP),” is for immediate consumption of device 1703 to encrypt the content file before it is stored in storage 1711. Both packages contain CMI for proper management of the content file by device 1703.

FIG. 19 illustrates PSP 1900 comprising M-CARD CMI 1903 and M-CARD signature 1905. CMI 1903 includes, among others, field 1908 which contains an M-CARD ID, which is unique and registered with the trusted licensing authority; field 1911 which contains a Host ID (i.e., the ID of device 1703 in this instance), which is also unique and registered with the trusted licensing authority; field 1913 which contains an identifier of the content cipher (e.g., 3DES, AES-128, etc.) to be used; and field 1915 which contains the content key which is generated by M-CARD 1705 and encrypted using an M-CARD public key 1715 in memory 1731. It should be noted at this point that the encrypted content key in field 1915 is analogous to encrypted content key V-1 (603) in SDVR STT 158-1. CMI 1903 also includes field 1918 which contains an identifier of the content security level; and field 1921 which contains usage rights to the content file in question (e.g., rights to play, copy, record, archive, etc.). M-CARD signature 1905 is generated by signing CMI 1903 using M-CARD private signing key 1737 in secure memory 1740, in accordance with a conventional encryption algorithm.

FIG. 20 illustrates TSP 2000 comprising host CMI 2003 and M-CARD signature 2005. CMI 2003 includes, among others, field 2008 which contains a Host ID (i.e., the ID of device 1703 in this instance); field 2011 which contains an identifier of the content cipher (e.g., 3DES, AES-128, etc.) to be used; and field 2013 which contains the aforementioned content key in field 1915, except that here it is encrypted using a host public key 1733 in memory 1731. M-Card signature 2005 is generated by signing CMI 2003 using M-CARD private signing key 1737, in accordance with a conventional encryption algorithm.

After receiving the Record reply, processing unit 1713 in device 1703 determines whether recording of the program content in question is permitted based on the value in the Record_Enable field in the reply. If not, unit 1713 may generate a message to inform the user of the denial of the Record request. Otherwise, unit 1713 verifies M-CARD signatures 1905 and 2005 in respective PSP 1900 and TSP 2000 using M-CARD public signing key 1723 stored in memory 1709. In addition, unit 1713 verifies that the host ID in field 2008 in TSP 2000 matches the ID of device 1703, which may be stored in memory 1709. Once PSP 1900 and TSP 2000 are verified, unit 1713 initiates the recording of the program content, and causes encryption module 1720 to decrypt the encrypted content key in field 2013 using host private key 1724 in secure memory 1722, which is the counterpart to host public key 1733. Unit 1713 causes encryption module 1720 to use the recovered content key to encrypt the recorded content. The resulting encrypted content file and the received PSP 1900 associated therewith are then stored in storage 1711.

In response to an event of playback of a stored content file in storage 1711, e.g., initiated by a user at device 1703, unit 1713 issues to M-CARD 1705 a Playback request, which contains PSP 1900 associated with the stored content file. FIG. 21 illustrates a process performed by processor 1730 in M-CARD 1705 for generating a Playback reply. Processor 1730 at step 2103 verifies the M-CARD signature 1905 in PSP 1900 using the M-CARD public signing key which is the counterpart to key 1737. Processor 1730 at step 2106 verifies that the M-CARD ID 1908 in PSP 1900 matches the ID of M-CARD 1705 which may be stored in memory 1731. Processor 1730 at step 2109 determines whether the requested playback is permitted, e.g., by checking usage rights field 1921 in PSP 900 which specifies any playback rights with respect to the associated content file. At step 2112 processor 1730 includes such a determination in a Playback_Enable field in the reply. Processor 1730 at step 2115 causes encryption module 1745 to decrypt the encrypted content key in field 1915 using M-CARD private key 1747 in secure memory 1740, which is the counterpart to M-CARD public key 1715. Processor 1730 at step 2118 encrypts the recovered content key using host public key 1733. At step 2121, based on selected information in PSP 1900 processor 1730 generates a TSP, e.g., TSP 2000, to be included in the reply, with the newly encrypted content key in field 2013. At step 2123, processor 1730 returns PSP 1900 in the reply to device 1703. It should be noted that, after generating the TSP, processor 1730 may modify PSP 1900 before it is returned to device 1703. However, the modified PSP needs to be re-signed because of the modified CMI 1903.

After receiving the Playback reply, processing unit 1713 in device 1703 determines whether playback of the program content in question is permitted based on the value in the Playback_Enable field in the reply. If not, unit 1713 may generate a message to inform the user of the denial of the Playback request. Otherwise, unit 1713 verifies M-CARD signatures 1905 and 2005 in respective PSP 1900 and TSP 2000 using M-CARD public signing key 1723. In addition, unit 1713 verifies that the host ID in field 2008 in TSP 2000 matches the ID of device 1703. Once PSP 1900 and TSP 2000 are verified, unit 1713 replaces the currently stored PSP associated with the encrypted content file to be played back with the received PSP. Unit 1713 causes encryption module 1720 to decrypt the encrypted content key in field 2013 of the received TSP using host private key 1724 in secure memory 1722, which is the counterpart to host public key 1733. Unit 1713 causes encryption module 1720 to use the recovered content key to decrypt the encrypted content file in question in storage 1711, and initiates a playback of the content file in the clear.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous other arrangements which embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope.

For example, the devices (e.g., trusted domain devices and/or PMDs) in the multi-layered rights arrangement in accordance with the invention may be connected to one another by a network, e.g., a home network whose technology has been employed to connect multiple STTs in different rooms of a home.

In addition, the devices in the multi-layered rights arrangement in accordance with the invention may not have internal storage for storing programming content therein. However, such devices may be connected to auxiliary storage to which the devices may deliver the content by transferring or streaming.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the network transport is illustratively F realized using HFC cable network 150. However, other networks such as digital subscriber line (DSL) networks, ethernet networks and satellite networks may be used, instead.

Finally, the system components of FIG. 1 are disclosed herein in a form in which various functions are performed by discrete functional blocks. However, any one or more of these functions could equally well be embodied in an arrangement in which the functions of any one or more of those blocks or indeed, all of the functions thereof, are realized, for example, by one or more appropriately programmed processors. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable apparatus comprising a storage medium, the storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions configured to, when executed by a processor apparatus: enable a first computerized client device to (i) access a media data structure containing protected digital data content in response to a request from the second computerized client device, the access comprising use of a cryptographic element to decrypt the media data structure to produce a rights data structure, and (ii) use the produced rights data structure to authenticate a second computerized client device, the media data structure being associated with the rights data structure, the authentication comprising receipt of a registration message by the first computerized client device, and decryption of a digital signature within the registration message via the cryptographic element, the cryptographic element being retrievable from a storage device associated with the first computerized client device, the rights data structure being indicative of a plurality of restrictions corresponding to respective extents of a right to receive the media data structure by the second computerized client device, the first and second computerized client devices being communicative with respective first and second portions of a content delivery network; cause the first computerized client device to encrypt the rights data structure using at least a session key; and based on an examination of the produced rights data structure, the examination comprising a determination enabled by at least said authentication that the second computerized client device is associated with an extent of the right to receive the media data structure which meets or exceeds a prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure, enable the first computerized client device to transmit to the second computerized client device via the content delivery network: (i) a copy of at least a portion of the media data structure containing the protected digital data content, and (ii) an encrypted version of the produced rights data structure.
 2. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second computerized client device comprises a portable wireless device enabled for wireless data communication with the first computerized client device.
 3. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the respective extents of the right to receive the media data structure comprise multiple security levels, the second computerized client device being associated with a prescribed security level; the examination of the produced rights data structure further comprises a determination of a minimum security level associated with the protected digital data content; and the determination that the second computerized client device is associated with the extent of the right to receive the media data structure which meets or exceeds the prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure comprises a determination that the minimum security level associated with the protected digital data content meets or exceeds the prescribed security level associated with the second computerized client device.
 4. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the produced rights data structure further comprises data indicative of a plurality of restrictions each corresponding to a respective quantity of transfers allowed for the media data structure.
 5. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of instructions are further configured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, based on a determination that the second computerized client device is associated with an extent of the right to receive the media data structure which does not meet or exceed the prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure, cause the first computerized client device to prevent the transmission of the copy of the media data structure, and transmit information to the second computerized client device to inform that the second computerized client device is not to receive the protected digital data content.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the content delivery network comprise a first discrete domain and a second discrete domain; and wherein the first discrete domain comprises a computerized functional layer, the computerized functional layer being associated with a trusted domain secured by at least a network operator of the content delivery network, and the second discrete domain comprises another computerized functional layer outside of the trusted domain.
 7. A method of protecting digital data content via a content delivery network comprising a first computerized client device and a second computerized client device, the method comprising: obtaining a rights data structure using at least a cryptographic element; based at least on a request from the second computerized client device: accessing the digital data content, the digital data content being associated with the rights data structure, and authenticating the second computerized client device based at least on the rights data structure, where the authentication comprises a decryption of a digital signature via the cryptographic element from a storage apparatus associated with the first computerized client device, the digital signature being contained within a registration message retrievable by the first computerized client device, where the rights data structure is indicative of a plurality of restrictions corresponding to respective extents of a right to receive the digital data content by the second computerized client device; encrypting the rights data structure; and based on a determination that the second computerized client device is associated with an extent of the right to receive the digital data content which meets or exceeds a prescribed extent of the right to receive the digital data content, the authentication enabling at least the determination, transmitting to the second computerized client device (i) a copy of at least a portion of the digital data content, and (ii) an encrypted rights data structure.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second computerized client device comprises a portable media device configured to wirelessly communicate with the first computerized client device via at least the content delivery network.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising enabling the second computerized client device to (i) retrieve another cryptographic element from a data storage apparatus associated with the second computerized client device, and (ii) decrypt the copy of the at least portion of the digital data content and a data comprising the rights data structure.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the respective extents of the right to receive the digital data content comprise multiple security levels, the second computerized client device being associated with a security level; and wherein the method further comprises determining, based on the registration message, the security level associated with the second computerized client device.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising evaluating the rights data structure, the evaluating comprising determining a minimum security level required for access to at least the portion of the digital data content; wherein the determination that the second computerized client device is associated with the extent of the right to receive the digital data content which meets or exceeds the prescribed extent of the right to receive the digital data content comprises a determination that the second computerized client device meets or exceeds the determined minimum security level required for access to the at least portion of the digital data content.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the rights data structure comprises data representative of one or more limitations associated with transfer of the digital data content.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the first computerized client device is configured to be communicative with at least a first portion of the content delivery network, and the second computerized client device is configured to be communicative with at least a second portion of the content delivery network.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first portion comprises a trusted domain secured by at least a network operator of the content delivery network, the trusted domain being exclusive of at least the second portion.
 15. A computerized media device configured to protect digital data content, the computerized media device comprising: a data interface; a storage apparatus; a processor apparatus; and a non-transitory computer-readable apparatus in data communication with the processor apparatus and comprising a storage medium, the storage medium comprising a computer program having a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions being configured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized media device to: utilize a cryptographic element to yield a media data structure comprising the protected digital data content and a rights data structure, the cryptographic element being accessible at the storage apparatus; access the media data structure comprising the protected digital data content and the rights data structure; in response to a request for the protected digital data content from another computerized media device, authenticate the another computerized media device based at least on a rights data structure, the authentication comprising (i) access of a message from the another computerized media device, and (ii) decryption of a digital signature within the accessed message using the cryptographic element, the rights data structure being indicative of one or more limitations corresponding to respective extents of a right to receive the media data structure by the another computerized media device; encrypt the rights data structure using at least a cryptographic key; and based at least on a determination that the another computerized media device is associated with an extent of the right to receive the media data structure which meets or exceeds a prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure, the authentication enabling the determination, cause transmission to the another computerized media device of (i) a copy of at least a portion of the media data structure, and (ii) at least a portion of the rights data structure which has been encrypted.
 16. The computerized media device of claim 15, wherein: the computerized media device and the another computerized media device are communicative with respective first and second portions of a content delivery network; and the second portion of the content delivery network comprises a computerized functional layer that is outside of a trusted domain, the trusted domain comprising a computerized functional layer secured by an operator of the content delivery network.
 17. The computerized media device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of instructions are further configured to, when executed by the processor apparatus, cause the computerized media device to, based on a determination that the another computerized media device is not associated with an extent of the right to receive the media data structure which meets or exceeds a prescribed extent of the right to receive the media data structure, prevent the transmission of the copy and the encrypted at least portion of the rights data structure.
 18. The computerized media device of claim 15, wherein the another computerized media device comprises a portable wireless device enabled for wireless data communication with the computerized media device.
 19. The computerized media device of claim 15, wherein: the respective extents of the right to receive the media data structure comprise multiple security levels, the another computerized media device being associated with a prescribed security level; and the determination further comprises a determination of a minimum security level associated with the protected digital data content.
 20. The computerized media device of claim 15, wherein the rights data structure further comprises data indicative of one or more limitations, the one or more limitations comprising one or more of (i) a quantity of transfers allowed for the copy of the at least portion of the media data structure by the another computerized media device, or (ii) a duration of access allowed to the copy of the at least portion of the media data structure by the another computerized media device. 